Government recognises growth can be green

Wednesday 11th April 2012

The Wildlife Trusts welcome the Deputy Prime Minister’s recognition that prosperity and environmental protection can go hand in hand.

In a speech made today (11 April) Nick Clegg stated that: ‘the environment contributes to our economy in a range of ways, many we don't always appreciate’ and that ‘lean times can be green times’.

His comments, made at the KPMG headquarters, come following a Government review of the EU Habitats Regulations, which concluded they are not a burden on development. The final National Planning Policy Framework, which it was feared would put the needs of development ahead of the natural environment, also showed more of a balance between the economy and the environment.

The services healthy ecosystems provide are vital to underpinning a healthy economy. Paul Wilkinson, Head of Living Landscape, The Wildlife Trusts

Paul Wilkinson, Head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said:

“The Deputy Prime Minister’s speech is a welcome sign the Government is moving away from the damaging rhetoric that preceded the budget, which suggested that protecting the environment is at odds with economic growth. Protection of the natural environment is not only compatible with increasing prosperity, but the services healthy ecosystems provide are vital to underpinning a healthy economy.

“We look forward to the Deputy Prime Minister’s promised statements on Natural Capital in the coming months, and we urge the Government to put the recovery of the natural environment at the heart of its plans for economic recovery.”